Memorial Day Weekend in Sarasota
The weekend is upon us yet again and, as always, there are lots of upcoming events in Sarasota to keep you busy and entertained! Monday the 31st is also Memorial Day, so you have one more day to plan some great weekend events for 2021, or even get a hotel room and enjoy a day of rest and sleeping in before heading back to work.
While the state has reopened almost fully after COVID-19 lockdowns, it’s still recommended that you call or otherwise check on any event before heading out, in case of limited capacity, attendance restrictions, or other unforeseen complications. You might also still bring masks for everyone in the family for indoor events, in case they’re required!
May 29th-30th: Suncoast Comic Con
Held in the nearby Bradenton Convention Center, the Suncoast Comic Con is a great idea if you need things to do in Sarasota with the kids, or if you’re just a big kid yourself! Comic Cons always offer everyone a chance to get a picture taken with your favorite superhero or Star Wars character, and to dress up as a character you love from the comics or movies.
There will also be lots of memorabilia and mementos on hand for you to shop, as well as many other fans to meet and get to know. You can also meet Greg Horn, an artist known for creating many Marvel comic covers! For more information, visit the website:
May 29th: Rye Road Giraffes!
Also in nearby Bradenton, this weekend you can visit the Rye Road Giraffes and get a look at these majestic animals up close. The giraffe farm is opening for a limited time on Saturday the 29th, starting at 11 a.m. There is an admission fee and you do need to reserve a spot in advance!
This weekend, in addition to visiting giraffes, there will also be bounce houses, pony rides, snow cones for sale, live performers, and lots more. For ticket information and to reserve your spot, visit the Facebook events page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1121024255073525/
May 29th: Ship of Fools at Harts Landing
Ship of Fools is back at Harts Landing, in this free event you won’t want to miss! Ship of Fools is a classic rock band, covering such artists as the Grateful Dead, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and many others.
This weekend you can find Ship of Fools at Harts Landing, a favorite Sarasota hotspot for those looking for some outdoor entertainment or a great spot to visit before heading out onto the water. Saturday’s concert will have drink specials and light food will be available as well. For more information, visit the Facebook events page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/318272343203801/
Saturday May 29th: Yoga by the Bay with Erin
If COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions have caused you to get out of shape, now is the time to ease yourself back into a regular fitness routine! Yoga by the Bay is an excellent way of getting your body moving and stretching while enjoying lovely views of the water and some fresh air as well.
This Saturday’s class, held outside the Van Wezel Hall, runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and is free to attend, although you do need to bring your own mat, water, towel, and other accessories. For more information including where to park and meet, visit the Facebook events page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/875469553183320/
Saturday May 29th: Wine Tasting at Cru
The Grand Cru Wine Bar proudly presents their May 2021 tasting, a perfect choice if you need a few upscale things to do this weekend in Sarasota! The tasting runs from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and will include a few light bites along with a lovely selection of favorite vintages.
Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information or to reserve your spot online, visit their website at:
Sunday May 30th: Reggae Block Party
There are plenty of things to do in downtown Sarasota, and this weekend’s reggae block party is no exception! Held outside the Gator Club and running from 2 to 10 p.m., the party is free to attend. Your host, Jamaican on the Go food truck, will also be on hand so you can purchase plenty of food and drinks while enjoying the fun.
The Gator Club is on Main Street in Sarasota and in addition to live bands and a DJ, there will be kids activities and much more. For information and a map, visit the Facebook events page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/165382918771734/
Saturday May 29th: Spring Concert at Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse
If you love rock music and want to support local students, check out the Spring Concert at Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse this Saturday the 29th. The concert, running from noon to 5 p.m., features students from EveryoneRocks and is free to enjoy!
Stottlemeyer’s Smokehouse is also known for their traditional smoked dishes and classic Caribbean fare, so you can purchase some great eats while enjoying the show. For more information, visit their Facebook events page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/stottlemyers-smokehouse/spring-concert/1562478927293835/
Saturday May 29th: Improv Drop-In
If you have dreams of becoming a standup comic but have a busy schedule and can’t commit to full time schooling for any reason, check out this weekend’s Improv Drop-In online school! The drop-in school is a one time, pay as you go school that you attend online with other students, so you can hone your improvisational skills together.
The course runs from 3 to 5 p.m. and is only $15. For more information or to reserve your spot online, visit their website:
https://tickets.floridastudiotheatre.org/improveducation-online-dropins/53343
Monday May 31st: Memorial Day Ceremony
This weekend would not be complete without a Memorial Day Ceremony. On Monday, you can visit JD Hamel Park from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. While plans have changed consistently throughout the year and the regular parade held on this holiday was cancelled this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s ceremony will include singers, speakers, a Color Guard, and much more. For more information, visit:
https://www.sarasotafl.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/13043/18?curdate=5-2-2021
Hopefully this list of upcoming events in Sarasota has given you some great ideas on what to see and do over the long weekend. Remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water for outdoor events as the weather should be warm and sunny all three days! If you did find this list helpful, be sure to share it with family and friends and on social media, and come back next weekend for lots more great things do to on the weekend in Sarasota.
